The Rubaya mine produces 15% to 30% of the world's coltan, according to major media reports. This disaster follows a similar collapse at the same mine in January 2024 that also killed over 200 people, as reported by local sources. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds about 80% of the world's coltan reserves, according to geological estimates.
According to major media reports, the landslide was caused by heavy rains. However, rebels and government spokespeople traded accusations of responsibility for the mine collapse and disputed the death toll, according to conflicting statements.
The M23 rebel group seized the town of Rubaya and took control of its mines in May 2024, according to local reports. The group is backed by Rwanda, according to major media sources and United Nations experts.
United Nations experts report that M23 taxes coltan production and trade at Rubaya for revenue. Miners at Rubaya earn around $5 a day, according to worker accounts.
Congo's vast coltan reserves are concentrated in eastern provinces like North Kivu, where Rubaya is located, according to geological surveys.
In a separate incident, armed Mayi-Mayi militia attacked Upemba National Park headquarters in Lusinga, killing five park staff, according to park authorities. Prince William issued a statement expressing sadness over the deaths at Upemba National Park, according to royal communications.
Bahati Dieugentil was arbitrarily detained and tortured by M23 in Goma for three months before being released without explanation, according to his testimony.
Patterns of concealing victims have been reported, with M23 moving severely injured prisoners away before NGO visits to hide conditions, according to humanitarian organizations. M23 hides victims' bodies to avoid compensation payments to families, according to local sources.
The exact number of deaths from the Rubaya mine collapse remains uncertain. Analysts disagree on contributing factors beyond heavy rains.
Rwanda's involvement in supporting M23's control of the Rubaya mine is not fully documented. The identities and motives of the Mayi-Mayi militia attackers at Upemba National Park are also unknown.
The current conditions and number of detainees held by M23 are not publicly verified.